Lucknow: A man was killed and more than a dozen people were injured in a clash between members of the Shia and Sunni sects here on Wednesday night, police said.

Several rounds of gunshots and arson were also reported from the old part of the Uttar Pradesh capital, they said. There was simmering tension between the two Muslim sects for the last one week and it spilled onto the streets on Wednesday night, they said.

The violence broke out near Deputy Saheb Ka Imambara in Wazirganj area after a religious congregation at a mosque was attacked, leading to several rounds of firing and stone pelting, a senior district police official said.

Police rushed to the spot and chased away the rioters. The dead man was identified as Shanu. He died due to gunshot wounds, police said. The injured have been admitted to various medical facilities. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arun Kumar said that the situation was brought under control immediately.

"Barring a large crowd at the trauma centre, the situation elsewhere in the old city is peaceful and under control," he said.